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Living Free - Aug. 8, 2012

"Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it." (Proverbs 22:6 NLT)

Thoughts for Today

Be available to counsel and guide your teen. Continue to teach him. Be open and honest in answering his or her questions about substance abuse, sexual issues, and dating. Assure him with not only your words, but with your responses, that he can talk to you about anything. Help him understand the dangers of pornography and do not allow it in your home. Continue to encourage involvement in sports or other activities.

These are the years when your adolescent will decide about college, vocational school, or work after completing high school. Urge him (require if necessary) to finish high school. Although he might not see the need now, it will be a decision he will never regret. Share with him the reasons you feel it is important.

Consider this . . .

Help your teenager find after-school work if he is interested. A part-time job is an excellent teacher of responsibility and can provide extra money for your child. This can be especially important if he is saving for further schooling.

Encourage him to save his money and not spend it frivolously. Let him see you save on a regular basis. Perhaps you could even offer to match the money he is saving to buy something he really wants.

If your teen has a part-time job, be sure work does not interfere with his school studies and he is not becoming excessively fatigued. Encourage, but don't require, tithing of his income. Guide him in good spending habits.

Prayer . . .

Father, help me guide my teenager along the right paths. Teach me to really listen to him and not be judgmental. Help me keep the doors of communication open. And help me be a living example of the things he needs to learn. Also help me to be humble enough to teach him by sharing mistakes I've made and the consequences I suffered. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

Godly Parenting: Parenting Skills at Each Stage of Growth by N. Elizabeth Holland, M.D. This study addresses parenting skills from the time of conception until the child has reached adulthood. It suggests methods for raising healthy, godly children in an increasingly secular society. Specific emphasis is placed on communication and teaching skills, discipline, protection and sexual issues at each age. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

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